WSBK: Melandri Wins Donington on R1

Yamaha rider Marco Melandri provided an extraordinary performance to deliver his first race victory and second podium of the World Superbike season in Donington Park, England on Sunday, March 27.

Melandri maneuvered his Yamaha YZF-R1 from a mid-pack start to win the first race, then returned for a strong second-place podium finish in the second race.

Yamaha Superbike teammate Eugene Laverty was less fortunate in race one, suffering a significant crash on the fourth lap. Fortunately he was able to jump back on his Yamaha in race two and complete the race in the points.

Yamaha also fared brilliantly in World Supersport, with a 1-2 finish by Luca Scassa and Chaz Davies aboard a pair of Yamaha YZF-R6s.

Melandri got straight down to business in Superbike race one, working his way through the pack to secure a well deserved first win of his WSBK career.

From a less than perfect third-row grid position, he skillfully closed in on his adversaries, taking him into second by lap 17. Melandri then overtook Jakob Smrz for the World Superbike lead with just two laps to go to the checkered flag.

Marco Melandri (Yamaha Superbike) says: “I had a great win in race one. I was just behind a very aggressive bunch of riders so I had to work hard to keep my rhythm and push through.”

Melandri proved just as determined and consistent in race two, moving up to third just five laps into the event and proceeding to battle his way through for second on the podium.

Marco Melandri says: “Race two was a little more difficult. I was suffering from a head cold and lost concentration a little midway. But I am very pleased to be on the podium again. We have been working very hard in preparation for today’s races and we did very well; I had a lot of fun and I think we proved that we have a very good package. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. Thanks to Yamaha, my team and my sponsors.”